Flush mount electrical plate and method for installing same

ABSTRACT

A mounting tray for a supporting and electrical component relative to an opening in a wall can include a rear wall that defines an opening. A sidewall can extend outwardly from the rear wall and collectively define a pocket with the rear wall. The sidewall can have an outer lip. An outer flange can extend around the sidewall at a position intermediate to the outer lip and the rear wall from a first location at the sidewall to a second location at an outer perimeter. The outer perimeter of the outer flange is offset inboard of the opening in the wall in an installed position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/945,163 filed on Nov. 12, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/504,174 (now U.S. Pat. No.8,058,570) filed on Jul. 16, 2009, which claims the benefit and priorityof 61/081,598, filed Jul. 17, 2008. The entire disclosure of the aboveapplication is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a mounting plate for mountingelectrical components such as switch plates in a substantially flushorientation relative to a surrounding surface such as a wall.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background informationrelated to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

Electrical components such as electrical switches, sockets and the likeare typically provided on walls of commercial and residential buildingsas is well known in the art. Electrical switches for example tend to beinstalled on the wall at a height convenient for a user to easilymanipulate. In many examples, sockets and other outlets such as cable TVjacks for example tend to be installed lower on the wall. Nevertheless,in either case, a cover plate is typically provided that is securedaround the switch (socket etc.) to provide a transition from the switchto the surrounding wall. Such cover plates can protrude outwardlyrelative to the wall. In some examples this configuration can lead to anunfinished appearance.

SUMMARY

A mounting tray for a supporting and electrical component relative to anopening in a wall can include a rear wall that defines an opening. Asidewall can extend outwardly from the rear wall and collectively definea pocket with the rear wall. The sidewall can have an outer lip. Anouter flange can extend around the sidewall at a position intermediatethe outer lip and the rear wall from a first location at the sidewall toa second location at an outer perimeter. The outer perimeter of theouter flange is offset inboard of the opening in the wall in aninstalled position.

According to other features, at least two locating posts can be formedon the rear wall. The locating posts can extend generally in a directionaway from the pocket. The locating posts can be spaced relative to eachother, so as to engage a mud ring that supports the mounting tray in aninstalled position. At least two alignment apertures can be formedthrough the outer flange. The alignment apertures can be spaced topermit tool access therethrough so as to engage set screws associatedwith a mud ring that supports the mounting tray in the installedposition. The outer flange can extend orthogonally relative to thesidewall.

At least one cutout can be formed in the rear wall. The cutout can bealigned for gaining access to a fastener associated with an adjustableelectrical box. The outer perimeter of the flange can be offset inboardof the opening, such that during installation, tape can be appliedacross the wall, across a transition between the wall and the outerflange, and onto the outer flange. The lip can extend generallyorthogonal relative to the wall in the installed position, such thatsetting compound can be applied from an outer boundary of the lip, overthe tape and along an area of the wall outside of a boundary defined bythe tape.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. It should be understood that the description andspecific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a mounting tray according to oneexample of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the mounting tray of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the mounting tray of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the mounting tray of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a cap according to a firstexample, the cap being configured to selectively mate with the mountingtray of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the cap of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a cap constructed in accordancewith another example of the present teachings;

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the cap of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the mounting plate of FIG. 1 and shown with thecap of FIG. 7 in an assembled position;

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the mounting plate and capassembly taken along lines A-A of FIG. 9;

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the mounting plate shown with thecap of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the mounting plate of FIG. 1 and shown with anexemplary electrical plate assembly;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting plate and electricalplate assembly taken along line B-B of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting plate of FIG. 1 andshown installed within an opening of an exemplary wall according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a detailed view of area D of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of an exemplary mud ring secured toan exemplary electrical box that is attached to a stud;

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the mounting plate of FIG. 1being secured to the mud ring of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the mounting plate secured to themud ring and shown being aligned to a desired orientation with a tool;

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of the mounting plate shown attachedto the mud ring and being aligned to a desired orientation with a toolwhile a user observes a level across the top edge of the mounting plate;

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the mounting plate shownextending through an opening in an exemplary wall;

FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the mounting plate, secured to themud ring and electrical box of FIG. 19 and extending through the openingin the wall;

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of the mounting plate installedrelative to the wall and shown with tape being applied over an outerflange, across the opening in the wall and onto the surrounding wall;

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of the mounting plate in aninstalled position and shown after an application of setting compoundapplied over the tape and onto the surrounding wall;

FIG. 23 is another front perspective view of the mounting plate in aninstalled position and shown with the setting compound applied and aftera sanding step;

FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of an exemplary electrical componentand inner plate being secured relative to the mounting plate with atool;

FIG. 25A is a front perspective view of the exemplary electricalcomponent installed relative to the mounting plate and having an outerplate secured onto the inner plate of the electrical plate assembly;

FIG. 25B is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 25B-25B of FIG.25A;

FIG. 26A is a front perspective view of the installed mounting plate,electrical component and electrical component plate assembly of FIG. 25;

FIG. 26B is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 26B-26B of FIG.26A;

FIG. 27 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary integrally formedmounting tray and box assembly according to one example of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of the mounting plate and box ofFIG. 33;

FIG. 29 is a collection of an exemplary mounting tray provided in one,two and multiple gang configurations according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 30 is a front perspective view of a mounting tray according toadditional features of the present disclosure;

FIG. 31 is a rear perspective view of a mounting tray of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a front perspective view of a cap constructed in accordancewith another example of the present teachings;

FIG. 33 is a sectional view taken along lines 33-33 of FIG. 32 and shownwith the cap secured into the pocket of the mounting tray of FIG. 30;and

FIG. 34 is a plan view of the mounting tray of FIG. 30 and shown with anassembly tool passing through a cutout of the mounting tray to access afastener associated with an adjustable electrical box according to oneexample of the present teachings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With initial reference to FIGS. 1-4, a mounting tray constructed inaccordance to the present teachings is shown and generally identified atreference numeral 10. As will be described, the mounting tray 10 isconfigured to support an electrical component relative to an opening ina wall (or other flat surfaces such as, but not limited to, a ceiling ora floor). In general, the mounting tray 10 can define a pocket 12 thatcan receive an electrical component in a position to remain generallyunexposed from the surface of the wall. Once installed, the mountingtray 10 can provide a smooth, uninterrupted finish with an almostnon-existent seam between the electrical component and the surroundingwall (see e.g., FIG. 26). As used herein, the term electrical componentis used to define any electrical component singly or in any combination,such as an electrical outlet 14 (FIG. 26) and an electrical componentplate assembly 16 (FIG. 12) having an inboard plate 18 and an outboardplate 20.

The mounting tray 10 can include a rear wall 22, a sidewall 24, and aflange 26. In one example, the sidewall 24 can define two pair ofopposing walls that collectively form a rectangular shape. The sidewall24 can extend generally transverse to a plane defined by the rear wall22. In one example, the rear wall 22 and the sidewall 24 cancollectively define the pocket 12. The sidewall 24 can define a lip 30that generally projects away from and extends above the flange 26. Thelip 30 defines an outer face 31. The rear wall 22 can further define afirst and second pair of mounting passages 32 and 34, respectively. Afirst plurality of apertures 36 can be defined through the rear wall 22generally at corners defined by the pocket 12. A plurality of locatingposts 40 (FIG. 2) can be formed on the rear wall 22 and extend in adirection generally away from the pocket 12. In one example, a pair oflocating posts 40 is provided in each of the corners defined by thepocket 12. An opening 44 can be defined through the rear wall 22. Aplurality of alignment apertures 46 can be defined through the flange26. A plurality of support members 50 (FIG. 2) can be formed on themounting tray 10 that extend between the sidewall 24 and the flange 26.

Turning now to FIGS. 5-8, 10A and 10B, a cap 54 constructed inaccordance to one example of the present teachings is shown. As willbecome appreciated, the cap 54 can be used to selectively mate with themounting tray 10 within the pocket 12 during installation of themounting tray 10 to substantially inhibit material, such as settablecompounds from entering the pocket 12. The cap 54 can generally define arear face 58, an inboard wall 60 and an outboard wall 62. In oneexample, the inboard wall 60 and the outboard wall 62 are generallyparallel and offset with respect to each other. A ledge 64 can bedefined between the inboard wall 60 and the outboard wall 62. In oneexample, the ledge 64 can be substantially parallel with the rear face58. A pair of mounting apertures 66 can be defined through the rear face58.

Turning now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a cap 70 constructed in accordance toadditional features is shown. The cap 70 generally defines a rear face72 and an outboard wall 74. The rear face 72 can define mountingapertures 76 and a central bore 78. A plurality of ribs 80 can be formedon the rear face 72 and generally extend between the outer wall 74 and acylindrical wall 82 extending from the bore 78. With continued referenceto FIGS. 7 and 8 and additional reference now to FIGS. 9 and 10, the cap70 will be described in a mating relationship with respect to themounting tray 10. While the following description is specificallydirected toward the cap 70, it is appreciated that a similar arrangementcan be achieved by using the cap 54 described above in relation to FIGS.5 and 6. Once the desired orientation of the mounting plate 10 withrespect to the surrounding wall is obtained (as will be described ingreater detail later), the cap 70 can be inserted into the pocket 12 asshown in FIG. 10A. In one example, fasteners may be inserted through theapertures 76 of the cap 70 and into one of the mounting passages 32 or34 of the mounting tray 10. As shown in FIG. 10B, use of the cap 54(FIGS. 5 and 6), can result in the ledge 64 resting atop of the lip 30(i.e., on the lip face 31).

As illustrated in FIG. 10A, the sidewall 24 can define a height H₁. Theouter wall 74 can define an exposed height H₂. The exposed height H₂ isdefined from the outer face 31 of the lip 30. By way of example, theheight H₁ can be about 0.435 inch and the height H₂ can be about 0.445inch. It is appreciated by those skilled in the art that thesedimensions are merely exemplary and can define other values or ranges ofvalues.

Turning now to FIGS. 11-14, the mounting plate 10 will be furtherdescribed. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the electrical component plateassembly 16 is shown generally received into the pocket 12 of themounting tray 10. In the example shown, the outboard plate 20 can occupya position substantially flush with the lip 30 of the mounting tray 10.The mounting tray 10 can define a height H₃ taken from an inboard faceof the rear wall 22 to the lip face 31 of the lip 30. The mounting plate10 can further define a height H₄ from a peripheral edge 84 of theflange 26 to the lip face 31 of the lip 30. In one example, H₃ can beabout 0.345 inch and H₄ can be about 0.125 inch. Again, it isappreciated that these dimensions are merely exemplary and others may beused. The electrical component plate assembly 16 can define a height H₅of about 0.300 inch. As can be appreciated, the height H₃ can be greaterthan the height H₅ in one example such that the electrical componentplate assembly 16 can suitably nest within the pocket 12. As illustratedin FIG. 12, the flange 26 extends from the sidewall 24 at anon-orthogonal angle. As will be described, the orientation of theflange 26 is particularly advantageous for accommodating tape andsetting compound during installation.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, the mounting plate 10 is shownrelative to drywall 86 having a drywall face 87 and an opening 88 formedtherein. The exemplary drywall 86 defines a thickness T. In one example,T can be 0.625 inches. It is appreciated that other thicknesses can beused. The mounting plate 10 is shown received into the opening 88defined in drywall 86. It is appreciated by those skilled in the artthat while this description is specifically directed toward drywall, thesame teachings can be applied for mounting the mounting tray 10 relativeto other non-drywall finishes, such as, but not limited to, wood, steel,tile, or marble. It is important to recognize that the mounting plate 10is specifically designed to be located inboard of the opening 88 of thedrywall 86. Explained differently, the mounting plate 10 is receivedentirely within a perimetral boundary defined by the opening 88 in thedrywall 86. In one advantage, as will become appreciated by thefollowing discussion, the mounting plate 10 can be securely positionedrelative to a mud ring 90 (FIG. 15) and/or an electrical box 92 (alsosee FIG. 15) prior to positioning the drywall 86. The flange 26 cantherefore provide a sloped transition from the lip 30 to the drywall 86.The height H₄ (FIG. 12) can thereby define an exposure height foraccepting tape and/or setting compound. The flange 26 is not configuredfor placement over the drywall 86. The support members 50 (also see FIG.2) preclude such installation of the flange 26 against the drywall face87 of the drywall 86.

With additional reference now to FIGS. 15-26, an exemplary method ofinstalling the mounting tray 10 will be described in greater detail.FIG. 15 illustrates the exemplary mud ring 90 secured to the electricalbox 92 by way of fasteners 93. The mud ring 90 and the electrical box 92are operably secured to a stud 94. The mud ring 90 can define a pair ofmounting apertures 96. An opening 98 is defined by an inner edge 100 ofthe mud ring 90. Turning now to FIG. 16, the mounting tray 10 can besecured to the mud ring 90. More specifically, a pair of fasteners 102can be passed through the first pair of mounting passages 32 of themounting tray 10 to couple with the mounting apertures 96 of the mudring 90.

Turning now to FIGS. 17 and 18, various tools, such as a measuringdevice 110 (FIG. 17) and/or a level 112 (FIG. 18) can be used toposition the mounting tray 10 in a generally upright orientation. Morespecifically, the tool 110 and/or 112 can be placed across an upper edge114 of the flange 26 to align the edge 114 in an orientation generallyhorizontal with ground. In one example, a tool, such as a screwdriver120 can be advanced through one of the alignment apertures 46 definedthrough the flange 26 to engage the fasteners 93 that secure the mudring 90 relative to the electrical box 92. At least one of the fasteners93 can be loosened with the screwdriver 120. As can be appreciated,moving the mud ring 90 relative to the electrical box 92 (i.e., in aclockwise and/or counterclockwise direction) will result in equalrotational movement of the mounting tray 10 until a horizontal (i.e.,“plum”) position is attained. Once a desired orientation is reached, thefastener(s) 93 can be tightened with the screwdriver 120.

Turning now to FIGS. 19 and 20, drywall 86 can then be located aroundthe perimeter 84 of the flange 26. In one example, the opening 88 can becut through the drywall 86 in a size that generally corresponds to theperimeter 84. The drywall 86 can then be advanced onto the studs 94,while aligning the perimeter 84 of the flange 26 with the opening 88.Again, the entire mounting tray 10 fits within a boundary defined by theopening 88.

Turning now to FIGS. 21-23, tape 124 can be applied across the flange 26and the surrounding drywall face 87 of the drywall 86. As can beappreciated, the tape 124 can therefore extend from the flange 26,across the opening 88 and onto the face 87 of the drywall 86. Again, thesloped orientation of the flange 26 can facilitate a smooth, seamlesstransition from the lip 30 to the drywall face 87 of the drywall 86.Next, setting compound 126 can be applied from the lip 30 of themounting tray 10, over the tape 124 and onto the drywall face 87 of thedrywall 86. It is appreciated that prior to this step, one of the caps54 and 70 can be securably mounted into the pocket 12 to inhibitaccidental overspill of setting compound 126 into the mounting tray 10(or in a location inboard of the lip 30). Those skilled in the art willappreciate that more than one application of setting material may berequired to achieve a smooth surface finish adjacent to the lip 30. Inthis way, sequential and alternating steps of applying and sanding ofthe setting compound 126 may be required to attain a smooth surfacefinish appearance of the drywall 86.

With reference now to FIG. 24, the inboard plate 18 of the electricalcomponent plate assembly 16 and the outlet 14 can be secured relative tothe mounting tray 10. In one example, fasteners 128 can be insertedthrough passages 130 defined in the inboard plate 18 to couple with thesecond set of mounting passages 34 defined in the rear wall 22 of themounting tray 10 (see FIG. 23). Fasteners 132 can be advanced throughpassages 134 defined in the inboard plate 18 to secure the outlet 14. Inone example, fasteners 102 can be removed prior to driving the fasteners132. As can be appreciated, the fasteners 102 can assist in holding themounting tray 10 in place during installation of the drywall 86, tape124 and setting compound 126.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 25A-25B, the outboard plate 20 of the electricalcomponent plate assembly 16 can be coupled to the inboard plate 18. Inone example, the outboard plate 20 can provide a snap fit onto theinboard plate 18. In one configuration a gap G (reveal) may be provided(laterally) between a perimeter of the lip 30 of the mounting tray 10and the outboard plate 20. By way of example, the gap can be ⅛″ (orother dimension) such that a pry tool may be inserted into the gap for“popping out” the outboard plate 20 from the inboard plate 18.

With reference now to FIGS. 26A-26B, the mounting tray 10 and componentplate assembly 16 are shown installed relative to drywall 86 accordingto another example. In the example shown in FIGS. 26A-26B, the settablecompound 126 is applied similar to the example described above and alsoover the lip 30 of the mounting plate 10. As can be appreciated in thisexample, the gap or reveal (FIG. 25A) between the lip 30 of the mountingtray 10 and the outboard plate 20 can be eliminated.

With reference now to FIGS. 27 and 28, a mounting tray 210 constructedin accordance to another example of the present teachings is shown. Ingeneral, the mounting tray 210 can provide an integrally formed mountingtray and electrical box component. Explained differently, the mountingtray 210 can incorporate the features of mounting tray 10 describedabove, as well as the electrical box 92 (FIG. 15). The mounting tray210, therefore, can comprise a tray portion 212 and a box portion 214.The tray portion 212 can include a sidewall 224, a lip 230 and any othercombination of features, such as described with respect to the mountingtray 10 described above. The box portion 214 can include anyconventional features associated with an electrical box, such as, butnot limited to, knock-out portions 238 and tabs 240. The knock-outportions 238 can be selectively removed as needed for passing electricalwires (i.e., Romex®, etc.) into the box portion 214. The tabs 240 can beformed on the box portion 214 for selectively receiving a fastener, suchas a nail or a screw to attach the mounting tray 210 to a wall stud. Inone configuration, the mounting tray 210 can be adjustable relative todrywall 86. In this way, the mounting tray 210 can move toward and awayfrom a plane defined by the drywall after being secured to a wall stud94. Of note, mounting apertures (such as the mounting apertures 46,FIGS. 1 and 2 of mounting tray 10) would not be required in theconfiguration of the mounting tray 210. The mounting tray 210 can beformed of any material, such as, but not limited to, plastic, metal suchas steel, fiberglass or other materials, or others. While the mountingtray 210 is illustrated as single-gang, the mounting tray 210 can alsobe provided as dual-gang or multiple-gang configurations

One suitable electrical component plate assembly 16 is manufactured byLutron Electronics, Inc. of Coopersburg, Pa. One exemplary plateassembly provided by Lutron Electronics, Inc. is marketed under thetrade name Claro™. It is appreciated that other electrical componentplate assemblies including others provided by Lutron Electronics, Inc.can be used with the mounting tray 10 (and, or 210) according to thepresent teachings. It is also appreciated that while the abovediscussion has been directed to an outlet 14, the same can be appliedfor other electrical components, such as cable TV jacks, switches,telephone jacks, dimmers, fan switches, keypads, touch-screens, GFCIreceptacle outlets, dual-gang, three-gang, and other multiple-gangoutlets and others. By way of example, a kit or collection of mountingtrays 310 are shown in FIG. 35 to illustrate the single-gang mountingtray with a dual-gang tray and multiple-gang tray. Other configurationsare contemplated.

With reference now to FIGS. 30, 31 and 33, a mounting tray constructedin accordance to additional features of the present teachings is shownand generally identified at reference numeral 410. In one example, themounting tray 410 can include a rear wall 422, a sidewall 424 and aflange 426. The sidewall 424 can include two pair of opposing walls thatcollectively form a rectangular shape. The sidewall 424 can extendgenerally transverse to a plane defined by the rear wall 422. In oneexample, the rear wall 422 and the sidewall 424 can collectively definea pocket 412. The flange 426 can extend generally transversely (or at a90° angle) relative to the sidewall 424.

The sidewall 424 can include a lip 430 that generally projects away fromand extends above the flange 426. The sidewall 424 can have a height H₆.The lip 430 can define an outer face 431 and define a height H₇ from theouter flange 426. By way of example, the height H₆ can be 0.441 inch andthe height H₇ can be 0.125. The flange 426 can have a textured surfaceto promote adhesion to tape and/or setting compound as will becomeappreciated herein. A plurality of locating posts 440 are provided ineach of the corners defined by the pocket 424. An opening 444 can bedefined through the rear wall 422. A plurality of alignment apertures446 can be defined through the flange 426. Unless otherwise describedherein, the features and mounting sequence of the mounting tray 410 canbe utilized in a similar fashion as described above with respect to themounting tray 10. The mounting tray 410 can also be provided inmultiple-gang configurations (FIG. 29).

Turning now to FIGS. 32 and 33, a cap 470 constructed in accordance toanother example of the present teachings is shown. As will becomeappreciated, the cap 470 can be used to selectively mate with themounting tray 410 within the pocket 412 during installation of themounting tray 410 to substantially inhibit material, such as settablecompounds from entering the pocket 412. The cap 470 can generallyinclude a rear face 472, a sidewall 474 and an outboard wall 476. A pairof mounting apertures 480, a central bore 482 and an aperture 483 can bedefined through the mounting tray 470. The mounting apertures 480 caneach have a countersink 484. The countersink 484 can be tapered as shownor can provide other geometry used to accept a head of a fastener, suchas a head 486 of a fastener 488 in a nested or flush relationship withthe outboard wall 476 as illustrated in FIG. 33. The cap 470 can becolored in a bright color such as red for example for a user to deciphera transition from the mounting plate 410 to the cap 470.

Turning now to FIG. 34, the mounting tray 410 is shown cooperativelyattached to an adjustable electrical box 490. The adjustable box 490 cangenerally include a plate 492 that can be fixed relative to a stud 494,such as by fasteners 496. The plate 492 can be adjustably fixed to a box498. In this regard, a fastener 500 can be rotated to adjust theposition of the box 498 relative to the plate 492. Explained further,rotation of the fastener 500 can cause the box 498 to translate inwardlyand outwardly relative to the stud 494, such that a user can locate thebox 498 in a desired location relative to the stud 494 (and ultimatelythe drywall). One exemplary adjustable box is manufactured by Carlon ofBrookfield, Wis. The mounting plate 410 can be securely fixed relativeto the box 498, such as by way of fasteners 504. A user can adjust thefastener 500 connected between the plate 492 and the box 498 by locatinga shaft 510 of a tool, such as a screwdriver 512 through the cutout 436provided in the rear wall 422 of the mounting tray 410. While notspecifically shown, it can be appreciated that in this step, a user canalso manipulate the fastener 500 with the tool 512 when the cap 470 issecured to the mounting tray 410. In this regard, a user can pass theshaft 510 of the tool 512 through the aperture 483 (FIG. 32) of the cap470 in addition to passing the shaft 510 through the cutout 436 in orderto gain access to the fastener 500. Other configurations arecontemplated.

While the disclosure has been described in the specification andillustrated in the drawings with reference to a preferred embodiment, itwill be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes maybe made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing fromthe essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that thedisclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment illustrated bythe drawings and described in the specification as the best modepresently contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that thedisclosure will include any embodiments falling within the descriptionof the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for installing an electrical componentrelative to an opening in a wall, the method comprising: providing amounting tray having a rear wall defining an opening, a sidewall and anouter flange, the sidewall extending outwardly from the rear wall to anouter lip having an outer face and collectively defining a pocket withthe rear wall, the outer flange extending around the sidewall from afirst location at the sidewall to a second location at an outerperimeter of the outer flange, wherein the outer perimeter of the outerflange is offset inboard of the opening in the wall in an installedposition; securing the mounting tray relative to a mud ring;subsequently locating drywall around a perimeter of the outer flange;applying tape across the flange and surrounding drywall; positioning aninstallation cap into the pocket, the installation cap having a sidewalland an outboard wall, such that the outboard wall is substantially flushwith the outer face of the outer lip of the mounting tray, and providinga barrier for the installation cap to inhibit setting compound fromentering into the pocket during installation of the mounting tray;applying setting compound over the tape and onto at least a portion ofthe drywall such that the setting compound provides a flush transitionfrom the outer lip to the drywall; securing an electrical outlet withinthe pocket; and securing an outboard plate to the mounting tray, theoutboard plate having a substantially flush elevation relative to theouter lip.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: securing theelectrical box to a wall stud; and securing the mud ring to theelectrical box with a fastener.
 3. The method of claim 1 whereinapplying the tape comprises: applying the tape such that it spans fromthe outer flange, across a gap defined between the mounting plate andthe drywall, to the drywall.
 4. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: sanding the setting compound to attain a seamless transitionfrom the outer lip to the drywall.
 5. A mounting tray assembly forsupporting an electrical component relative to an opening in a wall, themounting tray assembly comprising: a mounting tray including: a rearwall defining an opening; a sidewall extending outwardly from the rearwall to a lip having an outer face, the sidewall and rear wallcollectively defining a pocket; and an outer flange extending around thesidewall from a first location at the sidewall to a second location atan outer perimeter of the outer flange, wherein the outer perimeter ofthe outer flange is offset inboard of the opening in the wall in aninstalled position; and an installation cap including: a sidewall and anoutboard wall, the installation cap configured to be inserted into thepocket of the mounting tray in an assembled position such that theoutboard wall is substantially flush with the outer face of the lip, theinstallation cap providing a barrier to inhibit setting compound fromentering the pocket during installation of the mounting tray.
 6. Themounting tray assembly of claim 5 wherein the mounting tray defines acutout in the rear wall and the installation cap defines an aperturethrough the outboard wall, wherein the cutout and aperture align toaccept a tool therethrough in the assembled position, the tool operableto engage a fastener associated with an adjustable electrical box.